Thursday, June 19, 2008

Cleaning Products Question

Love the new design! I'm still trying to figure out household cleaners and laundry detergent...make my own? Buy all natural and organic? What do you do?First, let me admit that this is yet another area where I'm still learning. I have used/am using several different products right now for cleaners. I'm still trying to use up the last of several of my former regular toxic cleaners. I just can't throw them out and they are all on the verge of being gone anyway. Having said that, I also have several great products that are not toxic that I'm trying out.

Barefoot Home Essentials was probably the first family/Earth friendly product that I tried. I love that this is a company run by parents who were concerned for the safety of their family and thus started their own business to help others who had the same concerns. I tried the All Purpose Cleaner and the Lavender Disinfecting Spray and liked both of them.

I've also tried various Method products with great success for cleaning.

I have run across several recipes for making your own cleaning products that I will post within the next couple of days. Some of them look pretty promising and the frugal part of me can't wait to try this! I also can't wait to share it with you guys so you can try it, too!

As for laundry, this is an area where I struggle. I have been brand loyal for years to two different laundry detergents and I'm finding it hard to experiment with something that is better for us. I know, I know. I just need to do it already. That's why I'm glad I have you guys. For the sake of answering this question, I did what I've been putting off. I'm actually researching laundry alternatives aside from the very bad mainstream detergent I've been using.

I have heard Soap Nuts recommended, although I can't testify to how well they work since I haven't used them yet. I'm definitely intrigued, though. Method and Seventh Generation also have well known Earth Friendly laundry products. I recently tried Method fabric softener and I'm loving it.

The other areas where I struggle to give up my old versions of products are in the bathroom. I have used the same shower and toilet cleaners for years and I'm antsy to try something new. Again, I'm still learning about products in these areas so I'm sure there will be more posts to follow this one.

I'd love to hear what you do! Do you have products that you love? Do you make your own?

3 comments:

I'm a big fan of vinegar, baking soda, borax, and castile soap-assorted combinations do various jobs around the house. (I got some ideas from the book Healthy Child, Healthy World, and have since been experimenting)

I use vinegar as a fabric softener, and ALL free and clear powder detergent.

I've never been brand-loyal, and I've always been cheap, so making my own cleaner makes sense for me!

I love coffee, chocolate and my family. I hate being wrong. I love to read and talk. I love being the center of attention and being a wallflower equally. I crave alone time and social interaction. Come on in, grab your coffee and join me. Don't forget the chocolate, ok?